The agency's primary jurisdiction is the University of Missouri owned locations, which includes the main campus plus other MU-owned or leased facilities, such as Mizzou North (the former Ellis Fischel Cancer Center) on Business Loop 70, KOMU-TV on U.S. Route 63, and various MU-operated land and facilities scattered throughout Columbia and the State of Missouri.

MU Police Officers have the ability to make an arrest anywhere within the State of Missouri as well as enforce city ordinances in Columbia, MO.

It became a 24-hour agency in 1964[4] and began sending officers to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Basic Police Academy during the Vietnam War.

In 2015, former Major Doug Schwandt was promoted to Chief of Police for the University of Missouri System.

[10] MUPD also uses Police bicycles and utility vehicles to patrol the internal workings of the main campus as well as downtown Columbia.